Iraq strategy not working, Sen. Lugar says

June 26, 2007|WSBT-TV Report

Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., says the president's Iraq policy is not working. In a speech Monday on the Senate floor, Lugar said the policy is out of touch with the U.S.' national security interests. "In my judgment, the costs and risk of continuing down the current path, outweigh the potential benefits that might be achieved," Sen. Lugar said. Sen. Lugar privately told the president about his concerns earlier this year, specifically over the troop surge into Baghdad. "Persisting indefinitely with the surge policy delays policy adjustments that have a better chance of protecting our vital interests over the long term," Sen. Lugar said. He says the president should use more diplomatic and economic options to bring the conflict to a resolution. Eighty-seven Hoosiers have died in Iraq, including Tech. Sgt. Ryan Balmer. His mother, Patricia, said she still supports the war. "He was so proud of doing the job and doing the job right," Balmer said. "And we can do no less than stand behind him 100 percent." Lugar says a change in policy should come now, before the 2008 presidential campaign really heats up. "Our political timetable will not support a rational course adjustment in Iraq, unless such an adjustment is initiated very soon," Sen. Lugar said.